Auxerre. The name comes out in a sigh of awed appreciation of such a beautiful city and indeed the highlights of Auxerre are the embodiment of French delight. Of all the picturesque places that we have visited across the Haute-Savoie, Côte-d’Or and Burgundy regions of France, this is one of the best.… Read the rest
Fosse Dionne
The Fosse Dionne, nestled in the cute town of Tonnerre in Burgundy, is a captivating circular well. We stop in Tonnerre on a whim to stretch the legs en route from Abbaye de Fontenay to Auxerre and by luck we discover this natuaral spring.… Read the rest
Abbaye de Fontenay
We take a delightful country drive to Abbaye de Fontenay after spending a quiet Christmas in Montbard. Nestled in the frosty hills, the Abbaye du Fontenay is a remarkably preserved example of Cistercian monastic architecture and history.… Read the rest
Christmas in Montbard
Christmas in Montbard promises a quaint town which transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland with its cobblestone streets and charming medieval architecture adorned with festive lights and decorations. They cast a warm glow against the crisp, frosty air.… Read the rest
Dijon
We arrive in Dijon and it’s already dark. Of my top 5 things to do in Dijon, the Christmas markets are high on the list and we head out to discover the old town’s Christmas charm.
Christmas Markets
Having arrived here from Beaune today, we’re still in the heart of France’s Burgundy region.… Read the rest
Marché aux Vins
The Burgundy region has a long tradition of winemaking, dating back to Roman times and Beaune’s Marché aux Vins, or Wine Market, is closely tied to this tradition. It began as a way for local producers to showcase and sell their wines.… Read the rest
Beaune
Beaune is a captivating town nestled in the Burgundy region of eastern France. We arrive here from Annecy via a little picnic stop near Château de Sercy. The whole area seems renowned for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and prominent wine heritage.… Read the rest
Hôtel Dieu
This gorgeous medieval building, the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices du Beaune), had a very useful and serious purpose. Founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of Burgundy, and his wife Guigone de Salins, the Hôtel-Dieu was originally established to provide medical care and accommodation for the poor and sick.… Read the rest
Château de Sercy
We stumble across the Château de Sercy whilst meandering through Burgundy. On the way from Annecy to Beaune, this lovely chateau is an example of how France’s medieval history can just pop up. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere.… Read the rest
Annecy
Arriving in Annecy by train from Chamonix, we set out to explore the past and present of France’s Venice of the Alps. This extraordinarily picturesque city is nestled in the Haute-Savoie region of southeastern France. With its charming canals, stunning lakeside views, and well-preserved historical architecture, Annecy offers a rich tapestry of history, culture and gastronomy.… Read the rest